Geelong suspends Stringer for rest of season

Scott Spits

Geelong midfielder Jesse Stringer has been ruled ineligible for senior selection for the rest of the season after an incident where the youngster allegedly assaulted a woman last weekend.

The Cats imposed the penalty — along with him not being able to play for the club's VFL team for the next four games — after finding that his recent behaviour was "totally unacceptable".

Victoria Police confirmed that police officers were called to a Grovedale address just after 7am on Friday in regard to an alleged assault. "A 21-year-old Grovedale man was arrested and released pending further inquiries," police said.

The club has confirmed Stringer was "the subject of a complaint" after he was arrested and taken into custody after an incident at a house in Grovedale.

In a statement, Geelong said it decided on the punishment after a recommendation from the player leadership group, made in consultation with general manager of football Neil Balme, football operations manager Steve Hocking, coach Chris Scott and player development manager Ron Watt.

"The recommendation was endorsed by the club's senior management and the board," the statement said.

"The club is committed to two major outcomes from this situation. Firstly, to reinforce the AFL's respect and responsibility policy to all players and members of the club.

"Secondly the club will support Stringer and encourage him to learn from this experience and to continue to commit himself to develop as a person and a player."

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson commended the Cats for their decision and said Stringer’s behaviour was inconsistent with the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy.

‘‘The Geelong Football Club and its leadership group have sent a powerful message to the AFL industry and the community more broadly that violence against women is never acceptable,’’ Anderson said.